Bellapais is a small village in the Kyrenia District in the northern part of Cyprus, about 6 km (four miles) from the town of Kyrenia. It is under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus. The jewel of the village is Bellapais Abbey or "The Abbey of Peace". Built by canons regular of the Premonstratensian Order in the 13th century, it is a most imposing ruin in a wonderful position commanding a long view down to Kyrenia and the Mediterranean sea.